Sanday Heritage Centre
About This Museum
Tucked away on one of Orkney's most beautiful low-lying isles, the Sanday Heritage Centre feels less like a formal museum and more like a treasure chest of island life. It’s a place where you can truly grasp the deep time of human habitation here, from Neolithic farmers to Norse settlers and the crofting communities of more recent centuries. The magic is in how it connects these ancient stories to the people whose families have shaped Sanday for generations. You leave with a real sense of the island's enduring spirit, not just a list of dates.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the stunning 'Queen of the Night' pottery figure, a mysterious 5,000-year-old find from a nearby burial chamber. Alongside her, you'll find beautifully crafted replica Norse jewellery and an incredibly detailed model of a local shipwreck that tells its own dramatic tale. My personal favourite was the collection of old photographs, where the faces of Sanday's past seem to look right back at you.
Visitor Information
It's housed in a wonderfully converted former farmstead right next to the island's main shop, so it's easy to find. Do check opening times before you go, as they can be seasonal—it’s all part of the charm of visiting a community-run gem.
Architecture & Building
The centre is charmingly set within a converted traditional Orkney stone farmstead, with those characteristic low-slung roofs and thick walls built to withstand the coastal winds.
Contact & Location
Address: Sanday Airport, B9069, Sanday, Lady Village, Orkney Islands, Alba / Scotland, KW17 2BW, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1857 600724
Website: Visit Website
